In order to test our predictions, we first determined the extent to which the Taï environment varied seasonally relative to Fongoli. We next investigated whether or not Taï chimpanzees demonstrated seasonal physiological variation in three key biomarkers of heat (cortisol), hydration (creatinine) and nutritional (c-peptide) stress, and to relate this variation to seasonal variation of these biomarkers in Fongoli chimpanzees. Finally, we investigated potential environmental measures responsible for the biomarker variation observed at each site. In order to perform these tests, we acquired a wealth of environmental, behavioral, and physiological data collected at both sites, which we have detailed below. This non-invasive research was carried out in accordance with the recommendations of the American Society of Primatologists (ASP) Principles for the Ethical Treatment of Non-Human Primates, and the protocol was approved by the Max Planck Society.

Climatic and rainfall data were collected daily at the base camps of each community, located within each community's home range. Rainfall data were collected using a rain gauge, and measurements below the measureable limit of the gauge were set to the detection limit (0.1 mm). At Fongoli, a data logger (Onset Hobo Temp/RH Data Logger) was used to collect ambient temperature and relative humidity at 10-min intervals, in addition to a min-max thermohygrometer that was checked manually and reset daily on days when a researcher was at camp. At Taï, min-max thermohygrometers were checked and reset daily for each community. Daily temperature and humidity means were calculated as the average of the minimum and maximum temperature for the day, following the methods described in
Churchs Tunbridge brown loafers Discount Best Place 0gYVXz9Ilz
. We calculated daily mean heat index following the methods used by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) using daily mean temperature and humidity.

For chimpanzees, a ripe-fruit specialist, we calculated three potentially relevant food availability indices (total food [FAI
total
], total fruit [FAI
fruit
,], and ripe fruit [FAI
fruit
,]), monthly for each community, using data collected within each community home range, using the methods described in
Wessling et al. (2018)
. We calculated FAI
total
, FAI
fruit
, and FAI
ripe
based on all plant-based food items, ripe, and unripe fruit items, and only ripe fruit items eaten by chimpanzees at each site, respectively. At Fongoli, Taï East and Taï South, phenological data on 887, 925, and 623 trees were
1
collected monthly within each community's territory, respectively. Phenological data from the Taï South community territory were not available for January 2014; therefore these data were not included in any of the models. For Fongoli, we calculated density based upon the 6.8 km
2
transect from which phenological data were collected. For Tai, we obtained tree density estimates from
Goné Bi (2007)
, and used food tree density estimates from the Taï South community territory for Taï South group, but averaged food tree densities from three Taï community territories (Taï North, Taï Middle, and Taï South territories) for the Taï East community territory as these data were not available. Due to the difficulty in species identification of specific genera, we grouped species within two genera (
Ficus
and
Lannea
) and calculated the FAIs accordingly for all dietary items present.

Join Van Till Family Farm Winery in theNorton room for a taste of their wines with Chef Marc's pairings on Saturday, April 28.Make reservations to stay afterward for the winery's delicious wood-fired oven pizza in their beautiful Wine Garden. Must be 21 years old to participate. RSVP required.

The weather is getting warmer and the trees are starting to bloom – spring is in the air! Get out and enjoy all the season has to offer by takinga trip to the winery on Sunday, April 29. This is the only time of the year the winery will offer its special “Strawberry Shortcake Sangria” in the tasting room by the glass and carafe. Come out and enjoy before it’s gone!

Smoky, savory and always delicious, the food and wine pairings during this Hermann Wine Trail event will feature bacon as the main ingredient. Enjoy great pairings at 7 wineries on the trail. Cost is $30 per person.

Savor all that St. James has to offer at Sip N Savor St. James on Saturday, May 5. The town will host many Missouri wineries and more than 30 craft breweries. Enjoy eats and drinks from many local vendors.

Monday, March 26, 2018:
A star-forming region in the Milky Way resembles a Van Gogh painting in this stellar view from the European Space Agency’s Herschel space observatory. The image reveals a web of gas filaments, which astronomers believe are responsible for creating new stars. This region is located 7,500 light-years away in the neighborhood of the Carina Nebula. — Hanneke Weitering

In the southwestern pre-dawn sky of Friday, May 4, the waning gibbous moon will be positioned about 6 degrees to the right of Saturn. A half-day later, skywatchers in parts of Asia will see the moon pass only one degree to the north of the ringed planet. On Saturday morning, the moon’s orbit (green line) will carry it to a position to the left of Saturn. Look for the stars forming the large Teapot asterism of Sagittarius below Saturn all year.